Résumés

Almost all prospective employers meet your résumé
before they meet you, and their reaction to it usually determines
whether or not they will consider you further by interviewing
you. In addition, your job interviews will often start with
references to your résumé. Consequently, spend
considerable time in developing one or more versions of your
résumé, each one targeted for a specific type of job.

The heading should contain your name, full address, and phone
number, including area code. If you have them, you may also
include a FAX number, an electronic mail address, and even your
World Wide Web page (if you are sure that you
want all prospective employers to see it).

Summarize your educational history in reverse chronological
order, showing how it has prepared you for the sort of job you
want. List descriptive titles (but not course numbers) of all
relevant classes you have taken. If you have not yet received
your bachelor's degree or if you have just graduated, include the
name of your high school, the city and state in which it is
located, and the dates you attended.

List any skill (such as proficiency in a foreign language or expertise in specific computer
applications) that may be relevant to the position. In addition, list any activity or
accomplishment that will provide a positive first impression of relevant personal qualities, such as
your energy level and initiative, your ability to work with diverse groups of people, and your
communication skills. Do not, however, list hobbies or memberships merely to fill out the
résumé. Include only activities and accomplishments that a prospective employer
may find relevant to the position.

Federal law prohibits employers from asking job applicants certain personal information
concerning gender, race, religion, age, and marital status. Include such information on your
résumé only if you believe it may help you obtain an interview. Because of
government contracts, for example, certain employers can hire only citizens or residents of the
United States. Consequently, if you are applying for such a position and you are a United States
citizen or resident, you should include that information.

In most cases, conclude your résumé with "References available on request." List
the names of your references only if doing so is customary in your profession and only if you have
secured explicit permission from each individual to include his or her name on your
résumé.

Most résumés should not be more than one page. However, if you have extensive
relevant experience and skills, do not hesitate to extend your résumé to two pages.

Your résumé must be readable, neat, and free of grammatical, spelling, and
typographical errors. Because it is so crucial in the job application process, edit your résumé carefully and have someone else review it before you send it out.